Chapters 51-52 Summary

Master Osman tells stories behind these precious and legendary books in the Inner Treasury as he drinks up their images and tries to determine the artist and purpose of each book. He tries to share his astonished joy with Black and the dwarf, but they do not appreciate the art nor the history the way he does. While seeing the great work of Bihzad, Master Osman senses that he will soon also be blind. He complains about everything ending. Black reminds Master Osman that they are looking for clues to the murders. Deep in the night, Master Osman finds Shah Tahmasp's Book of Kings, a huge and heavy book he had briefly viewed in his youth. He is grateful for the chance to linger over it now. However, Master Osman cannot give it his full attention because of gossip from years...